Sports

Leland High holds off Santa Teresa without injured star Chris Santini

Even without star senior Chris Santini, Leland cruised to a 28-14 victory over Santa Teresa on Saturday. But the week was anything but easy for Santini.

The Boise State commit was involved in a hit-and-run accident while riding his bike Monday, sustaining a concussion, broken nose, multiple broken bones in his cheek and a slightly separated shoulder.

Santini was visibly banged up but in good spirits while watching from the sideline Saturday. "There's no point being mad because there's nothing I could do about it -- it was a freak thing," he said. "One minute I was riding my bike, and the next I woke up in an ambulance."

While most the injuries are considered minor, the concussion may keep Santini off the field for a Nov. 4 showdown with Mt. Hamilton Division co-leader Oak Grove (6-1, 4-0).

"We're leaving that completely up to doctors," said Leland coach Mike Carrozzo, whose Chargers improved to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in league play. "The most important thing is Chris' health. Football is secondary."

Santini is among the Central Coast Section leaders in total touchdowns (14) and tackles (68). He said he will resume working out this week in hopes of returning to the field as soon as he's cleared. "I'm hoping to return for Oak Grove, but if not, I'll for sure be ready for the playoffs," Santini said.

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Jack Pizzo picked up the slack in the backfield against Santa Teresa, rushing for 59 yards and two short touchdowns. Kenny Portera had 72 rushing yards and 16 receiving yards and was a force on defense.

Hye Sung Yu stepped in ably for Santini at linebacker and transfer Alex Babaoghli recovered a crucial fumble in his first game as a Charger. Vassalo also had a fumble recovery and Mike Maggipinto and Jeff Carnduff had interceptions.

LELAND 28, SANTA TERESA 14

Leland 7 "7 "0 "14--28

Santa Teresa 0 "7 "0 " 7--14

L -- Pizzo 3 run (McLaughlin kick)

L -- Carnduff 14 pass from Habash (McLaughlin kick)

ST -- Richelle 1 run (Raymond kick)

L -- Pizzo 4 run (McLaughlin kick)

L -- Crider 11 run (McLaughlin kick)

ST -- Campbell 13 pass from Richelle (Raymond kick)

Records -- Leland 7-0, 4-0; Santa Teresa 4-3, 2-2.

An injury-marred season continued at Willow Glen Friday night when senior quarterback Mitch Ravizza went down with a calf injury. Ravizza said the injury isn't as serious as first feared and he hopes to return to the field next Friday.

In rebounding from the previous week's 35-28 loss to Archbishop Mitty -- their first loss of the season -- the Padres (6-1, 3-1 WCAL) kept Riordan quarterback Zach Masoli on the run for most of the afternoon. Though Masoli occasionally broke loose for long gains, he was also sacked eight times for losses totaling 51 yards.

The Padres' defense was particularly tough in the red zone. Riordan (1-6, 0-4) was held to a field goal on its first trip inside the 20-yard line, and junior cornerback Justin Reyes intercepted a pass to prevent a touchdown on the Crusaders' second trip there.

Offensively, senior running back Erich Wilson led Serra with 132 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries,. Wilson now has 1,130 yards rushing on the season. Quarterback Joe Erdie and fullback Jacob Goell also rushed for TDs.

-- Ray Hacke, correspondent

SERRA 35, RIORDAN 10

Serra 14 " 7 " 14 " 0--35

Riordan 0 "3 "0 " 7--10

S — Wilson 42 run (Toms kick)

S — Baur 66 punt return (Toms kick)

R — Rodriguez 22 FG

S — Erdie 2 run (Toms kick)

S — Wilson 4 run (Toms kick)

S — Goell 5 run (Toms kick)

R — Hall 58 pass from Masoli (Rodriguez kick)

Records -- Serra 6-1, 3-1; Riordan 1-6, 0-4.

MOUNTAIN VIEW 28, HOMESTEAD 17

While the visiting Spartans rushed for only 83 yards Friday night, the passing game clicked as senior quarterback Mike Butler connected with six different receivers, including seniors wide receiver Tyler Halsted for two scores and tight end Ken Hampel for another. Senior linebacker-punter Stefan Lemak carried the Spartan defense and special teams. Senior Robbie Graham got the Mustang scoring started with a 97-yard kick off return.